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Sunrise

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Hollywood-scale studio coming to Central Coast

A major film and television production facility is being developed on the New South Wales Central Coast, set to become one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The precinct will feature 10 sound stages, advanced LED volume screen technology, a record-breaking water tank, and integrated facilities including childcare, education centres and restaurants. Australian actor Luke Hemsworth is supporting the project, which aims to keep productions in Australia, create local jobs and provide world-leading technology while supporting both major productions and emerging filmmakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 20264 min

Camden's first Spin Out rock and roll festival

The Spin Out Festival is a rock and roll event taking place in Camden, Sydney's south-west, featuring live music, dancing, bands and classic cars. The festival celebrates 1960s culture and encourages attendees to dress in period-appropriate attire. This is the first time the event is being held in the Camden village area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20260 min

Australia's prison crisis: half return within two years

Australia's prison re-offending rate has reached approximately 50%, with half of all released inmates returning to prison within two years. The national inmate population has hit an eight-year high while prison costs have surged to $7.3 billion, as governments continue building more facilities. Many prisoners are released back into the same circumstances of poverty, housing insecurity, mental health challenges and addiction that led to their initial incarceration, with one in three women released without secure housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20263 min

Australia's prison crisis: half return within two years

Australia's prison re-offending rate has reached approximately 50%, with half of all released inmates returning to prison within two years. The national inmate population has hit an eight-year high while prison costs have surged to $7.3 billion, as governments continue building more facilities. Many prisoners are released back into the same circumstances of poverty, housing insecurity, mental health challenges and addiction that led to their initial incarceration, with one in three women released without secure housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20263 min

Kyle Sandilands sleeps with childhood pillow Squishy

Radio host Kyle Sandilands has revealed he still sleeps with a childhood pillow called Squishy, prompting other men in his workplace to admit their own nighttime comfort items. His manager sleeps with an unwashed baby blanket nicknamed Blanky, while colleague Hulk keeps a soft toy ninja turtle in bed. The confession has sparked public debate about adults maintaining childhood sleep companions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Cam Bolton's recovery and the coach of 13 nations

Australian athlete Cam Bolton, nicknamed 'Camaroni Boltoni', is recovering from a broken neck sustained during training while maintaining his sense of humour. French figure skating coach Benoit Richaud coaches athletes from 13 different countries at the Games, rotating through different national team jackets as his skaters compete in the kiss and cry area. The segment also touches on the unique nature of the double luge event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

HOT TOPICS: Hanson faces backlash over Lakemba comments

Pauline Hanson faces criticism from Muslim leaders after stating some Australians feel unwelcome in suburbs like Lakemba with high Muslim populations. The comments, which follow her earlier claim that there are no good Muslims, draw strong responses from political figures who emphasise Australia's multicultural values. More than one million Australians visit Lakemba's night markets during Ramadan annually.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20265 min

Camping gear struggle goes viral

A viral comedy sketch by New Zealand comedian Thomas Sainsbury depicts the universal frustration of trying to repack camping gear into impossibly small storage bags after a camping trip. The relatable content resonates with campers who struggle with the same challenge, prompting discussions about rolling versus stuffing techniques and the impractical size of camping equipment storage bags.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Warehouse fire engulfs Abbotsford building overnight

A two-storey warehouse on Mollison Street in Abbotsford, Melbourne's north-east, caught fire around 3am, requiring 34 firefighters to battle the blaze. The building was locked when emergency services arrived, and while the fire is now under control, the cause remains unknown. Police have stated they do not believe the incident is suspicious, but fire investigators will examine the scene with Mollison Street remaining closed during the investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Aussies underusing private health insurance extras

New data reveals that extras cover is one of the most underused components of private health insurance in Australia, with many policyholders paying significantly more in premiums than they claim back. Private health insurance premiums are rising 4.1% from April 1st and have increased 17.5% over the past five years, with singles paying over $3,000 annually and families exceeding $6,000. Financial expert Matt Bowen from ING advises Australians to reassess their coverage levels, check for unnecessary upgrades, review policy limits, and consider switching providers to avoid loyalty taxes and access new customer offers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Zuckerberg faces landmark social media addiction trial

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is testifying in a Los Angeles court as part of a landmark trial examining whether social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive and cause harm to young people. The case has been brought by a 20-year-old woman who claims early exposure to YouTube and Instagram contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts. The trial's outcome could impact approximately 1,500 similar pending cases against social media companies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Two escapes from NSW mental health facilities end in tragedy

Two men escaped from New South Wales mental health facilities within 24 hours of each other before allegedly committing fatal attacks. Luke Peter Francis, 31, broke out of Cumberland Hospital Mental Health Ward using a stolen staff access card and allegedly killed two people in a vehicle incident in Camden. Stefano Leotola, 25, escaped from a health transfer vehicle the day before and allegedly stabbed two people and killed another in Maryland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20260 min

Two mental health patients escape and allegedly kill

Two men escaped from New South Wales mental health facilities within 24 hours of each other and allegedly killed multiple people. Luke Peter Francis, 31, broke out of Cumberland Hospital's mental health ward using a stolen staff access card before allegedly stealing a car and killing two people in Camden during a police pursuit. Stefano Leotola, 25, escaped from a health transfer vehicle the day before and allegedly stabbed two people and killed another in Maryland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20265 min

Warehouse fire engulfs Abbotsford building overnight

A two-storey warehouse on Mollison Street in Abbotsford caught fire at approximately 3:00am, requiring 34 firefighters at the height of the blaze. The building was locked when emergency services arrived, and while the fire is now under control, the cause remains unknown. Police have stated they will not be investigating as the incident is not believed to be suspicious, though fire investigators will examine the scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20265 min

ISIS bride banned from returning to Australia

The Australian government has issued a temporary exclusion order banning one of 11 Australian ISIS brides from returning to the country due to national security concerns. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Australian passports have been provided to the group of 11 women and 23 children currently in the al-Raj camp in northeast Syria, with DNA testing organised prior to documentation being issued. Ten ISIS brides and 23 children will be permitted to return to Australia, though the government has stated that any individuals who have committed crimes will face charges upon arrival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Teen arrested after luxury car theft with dog inside

A 17-year-old boy allegedly stole a black Mercedes from a shopping centre in Worongary on the Gold Coast, with the owner's sausage dog Bailey inside. Police tracked the stolen vehicle from the sky and ground for seven hours as it travelled to Logan and back to the Gold Coast, before deploying tyre spikes in Palm Beach where the teenager eventually surrendered on the Gold Coast Highway. Bailey was found by a good Samaritan in Nerang and reunited with his owners after being taken to a vet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 20261 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Country footy team goes viral with Savage Garden cover

The Queenscliff Football Club in Victoria has created a viral video recreating the iconic 2010 Puma advertisement featuring Savage Garden's 'Truly Madly Deeply', amassing over 3,000 views on Instagram. The senior coach Heath Jamison came up with the idea to boost the small town club's profile and attract new members, with the team filming their rendition in one take after training. The club, located in a town of only 1,500 people on the Bellarine Peninsula, is now selling memberships for $55 and has attracted interest from as far as Scotland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Young Aussie raises $40,000 for Bondi attack victim's family

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20265 min

Couple lives off-grid exploring Australia full-time

Josh and Jess from Adventure Intel Australia have been travelling and living off-grid across Australia for years after deciding not to return home following an initial trip. The couple showcases off-road driving techniques at the Victorian Caravan Camping Super Show, demonstrating vehicle capabilities on steep terrain with a three-tonne load. Their favourite destinations include the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20263 min

Elvis Smylie's dream debut in LIV Golf

23-year-old Gold Coast golfer Elvis Smylie won on debut at the LIV Golf season opening event in Saudi Arabia and helped secure a team title with the all-Australian Ripper GC squad in Adelaide. The rising star is now climbing towards the world's top 50 rankings as he pursues qualification for the Masters tournament in the US. Smylie credits fellow Australian golfer Cam Smith, a British Open champion, as a significant mentor in his decision to join LIV Golf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20262 min

Legal debate over ISIS brides' return to Australia

Australian ISIS brides and their children are expected to return to Australia within hours or days, sparking political debate over border entry. Opposition leader Angus Taylor is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to block their return, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke examines whether temporary exclusion orders can be legally applied. International law expert Professor Donald Rothwell explains that Australian citizens with valid passports have a legal right to enter the country, though temporary exclusion orders remain a possible but exceptional mechanism requiring high thresholds of proof to prevent terrorist attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20263 min

Legal debate over ISIS brides' return to Australia

Australian ISIS brides and their children are expected to return to Australia within hours or days, sparking political debate over border entry. Opposition leader Angus Taylor is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to block their return, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke examines whether temporary exclusion orders can be legally applied. International law expert Professor Donald Rothwell explains that Australian citizens with valid passports have a legal right to enter the country, though temporary exclusion orders remain a possible but exceptional mechanism requiring high thresholds of proof to prevent terrorist attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20263 min

Whooping cough cases quadruple as vaccination rates plummet

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20262 min

Escaped mental health patient charged with murder after 10 days on run

A man who allegedly escaped from a mental health facility during transfer between hospitals in Sydney remained at large for 10 days before allegedly committing a fatal stabbing attack in Maryland. The incident resulted in the death of a 38-year-old man and injuries to two others in what police describe as a random attack. The accused is now in custody and facing murder charges, with questions being raised about patient transport procedures and public safety warnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20263 min

ISIS brides passport controversy sparks political debate

The Australian Prime Minister states he will not assist 11 families, including 34 ISIS brides and children, to return from Syria to Australia, declaring they must face consequences for their decisions. International law experts warn the government cannot legally prevent Australian citizens from re-entering the country, while the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is legally required to issue passports to Australian citizens. The opposition demands temporary exclusion orders be imposed, whilst the government maintains all decisions will be guided by national security advice and that returnees will face the full force of the law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20268 min

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84

Reverend Jesse Jackson, legendary civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, has died at age 84. Born in 1941, Jackson was a protégé of Dr Martin Luther King Jr and was by his side when King was assassinated in Memphis. Throughout his decades-long career, the Baptist preacher became a powerful voice for justice and equality, ran for president in 1984 and 1988, fought against apartheid in South Africa, and witnessed Barack Obama's historic election as America's first Black president in 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 20262 min

Leaked coalition plan proposes regional migrant bans

A leaked coalition immigration document proposes temporarily banning migrants from regions including Gaza and Somalia, removing 100,000 visa overstayers, and restricting visas from areas deemed terrorist hotspots. The proposal, prepared under former leader Susan Ley, has exposed deep divisions within the party, with shadow immigration minister Paul Scar stating he never supported the policy. Professor Alan Gamlin from the Australian National University Migration Hub suggests the policy contains both predictable elements and surprising proposals that echo Donald Trump's Muslim ban, describing some measures as cosmetic and reflecting a party still processing its historic election defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20262 min

Former NRL star Matt Utai shot in Greenacre

Former NRL player Matt Utai, 44, was shot twice outside a home in Greenacre, Western Sydney, once in the leg and once in the chest. Police believe Utai was not the intended target but was caught in crossfire, with his son Isaiah Utai being well known to police after his house was shot multiple times in December. Utai, who played 170 NRL games for the Bulldogs and West Tigers and represented New Zealand, was taken to St George Hospital in a conscious state under police escort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20261 min

Electric ankle device promises shark protection

A shark deterrent ankle device uses electrical signals to repel predatory sharks within a two to two-and-a-half metre range. Independent testing by the University of Western Australia showed the technology has a 60% success rate in turning sharks away when they approach. The device works on pelagic sharks including great whites, bull sharks, tigers and makos by creating discomfort in their electrical sensory system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20263 min

Epstein files release sparks calls for accountability

The U.S. Attorney General has released files related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, revealing over 300 high-profile names including Barack Obama, Kurt Cobain, Prince Harry, and Robert De Niro. The release has sparked controversy over redacted names and allegedly incomplete files, with calls for further investigation and criminal prosecutions. Former Obama administration adviser Peter Loge clarifies that inclusion in the files doesn't necessarily imply wrongdoing, as Epstein had connections through fundraising and other activities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20263 min

AFL's commentary line-up revealed

The AFL's 2026 Premiership season begins in 16 days, with Channel Seven's coverage featuring an expanded commentary team including returning expert Hamish McLaughlin and new addition Shane Crawford, a Brownlow medallist and Hawthorn premiership player. A documentary honouring retired legendary commentator Dennis Cometti is also announced for later in the year. The opening match will see Sydney Swans face Carlton Blues at the SCG, featuring several players who have switched between the two clubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20262 min

Coles faces federal court over fake discount claims

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20261 min

Legendary actor Robert Duvall dies at 95

Legendary actor Robert Duvall has died at age 95, leaving behind a storied career spanning more than 80 projects, seven Academy Award nominations and one win. Known for his quiet intensity and commanding presence in films including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Gone in 60 Seconds, Duvall was classically trained and shared early New York apartment living with Dustin Hoffman. His wife announced his passing, remembering him as both a filmmaker and family man who brought gravitas to every role regardless of its size.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20263 min

Budget cuts, ISIS families and nature strip etiquette

Australians express support for budget cuts to foreign aid and renewable energy programs, though these areas represent only 1% of total spending. Eleven ISIS families consisting of 34 Australian women and children have been turned back after leaving their Syrian camp, with debate continuing over whether they should be allowed to return. A neighbourhood dispute in Sydney's northwest has reignited discussion about the etiquette of mowing nature strips that belong to neighbours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20266 min

Amazon driver stranded on Britain's deadliest footpath

An Amazon delivery driver in the Thames estuary, UK, drove onto the Broomway, reportedly Britain's deadliest footpath, after following GPS directions without observing the surroundings. The Coast Guard was alerted by locals to rescue the driver whose vehicle became stranded in the tidal area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20261 min

Savannah Guthrie pleads for missing mother's return

Savannah Guthrie has issued a public plea for information about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, as the search enters its third week in Tucson, Arizona. A fourth potential ransom note has surfaced claiming Nancy was taken across the border to Mexico, approximately 75-80 miles south of Tucson. The FBI is conducting DNA analysis on gloves found at the scene and checking results against multiple databases, though law enforcement has expressed scepticism about the authenticity of the ransom notes received so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20263 min

Australia's oldest bowling alley turns 65

Healthways Mont Albert North in Melbourne is Australia's oldest bowling alley, celebrating 65 years of operation in 2024. The venue features original 1960s elements including above-ground ball returns, manual scoring systems, and vintage scoring units from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The family-run business has been operated by the same family for 30 years, now spanning three generations of workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20262 min

Kelly Holliday performs Dancing 2 on Sunrise

Australian musician Kelly Holliday performs his hit single 'Dancing 2' from his new album 'Capital Fiction' on Sunrise Music Sessions. The upbeat performance gets the studio audience dancing before 9am on a Monday morning. Holliday reveals he's already writing his next album while promoting the current release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20265 min

NSW scraps zero tolerance for school bullying

New South Wales is implementing a new anti-bullying framework that replaces zero-tolerance suspension and expulsion policies with prevention-focused strategies. The framework requires schools to prioritise wellbeing counselling, explicitly teach emotional regulation to students around age 10 when bullying peaks, and provide personalised safety plans for bullied students. Under the new guidelines, schools must action bullying complaints within two days and will only use punishment as a last resort after all other interventions have been attempted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20262 min

Best budget breakfast brands revealed

CanStar's Data Insights team has rated breakfast staples across multiple categories to help shoppers find the best value during rising cost-of-living pressures. Coles Bakery won for white bread and wholemeal, Aldi topped the multigrain category, and Weet-Bix was named the best cereal for 2025, scoring highly on taste, value for money and texture. Generic brand alternatives like Hillcrest wheat biscuits and Woolworths Crispy Rice Pops offer savings of up to 50% compared to name brands, while buying in bulk or waiting for specials can also reduce costs significantly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20263 min

How to retire early and live your dream life

Retirement planning expert Bec Wilson outlines strategies for achieving early retirement, including maximising superannuation contributions through concessional and non-concessional options, eliminating debt before retirement, and planning concrete goals for what could be 25 to 35 years of post-work life. Wilson addresses common retirement fears such as running out of money, spending savings accumulated over decades, and loss of purpose, emphasising the importance of understanding the age pension system and viewing retirement as an exciting period of flexibility rather than decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20264 min

Home and Away stars engaged after romantic proposal

Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart are engaged after James proposed on Valentine's Day at a location significant to their relationship. The romantic proposal, which took place near the spot where they first held hands, was captured on camera by James's daughter and included a table covered in roses. The couple, who play married characters on the Seven Network soap opera, designed the engagement ring together and celebrated with a seafood dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20263 min

NSW grants Monday off for Anzac Day weekend

New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia will observe a public holiday on the Monday of the 2024 Anzac Day weekend when the day falls on a Saturday. The NSW Premier announced the change with support from the state's RSL, noting that South Australia and Queensland already automatically grant a Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday. The RSL President emphasises that the Monday public holiday is separate from Anzac Day itself, providing an opportunity for serving defence personnel, cadets, and reservists to spend time with family after working on Anzac Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20262 min

New Liberal leadership vows to restore party fortunes

Angus Taylor and Jane Hume have assumed leadership of the Australian Liberal Party, promising lower taxes, stronger economic management and major migration reform. The party faces record low polling support and significant voter losses, including 7,000 voters daily, whilst One Nation surges in popularity among conservative voters. The new leadership team acknowledges past mistakes and pledges to restore Australian living standards, address housing affordability, and implement stricter migration policies requiring acceptance of Australian democratic values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20265 min

Skilled migration reform stalls amid housing and workforce debate

The Australian government faces pressure to reform its skilled migration points system, which a recent review found outdated and failing to target the most qualified applicants. Labour pledged reforms three years ago but has only conducted consultations, whilst maintaining a permanent migration cap of 185,000 annually, with net migration dropping 40% since taking office. Debate centres on balancing skilled worker needs for projects like AUKUS and construction with housing capacity, social harmony concerns, and the distribution of medical professionals to regional areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 20268 min